HE’S renowned for his skills with a rugby ball and, of course, as a shrewd TV analyst of tactics on the pitch.

But Jonathan Davies is also passionate about another sport, golf, and is about to tee off fronting the new series of S4C’s Golffio.

So what can viewers expect?

“It’s going to be a general round-up of the competitions throughout the world – on the American and European tours – and interviews with golf enthusiasts,” he said.

He’s played rounds with 1991 US Masters champion Ian Woosnam, ex-European Ryder Cup team member Philip Price, from Pontypridd, and Abergele’s Becky Brewerton. He adds: “We also do a slot called a Hell of A Hole where we go to celebs who say, ‘This is a particularly difficult hole’.”

Fellow presenter Dewi Pws Morris explores technical innovations. Jonathan said: “He will look at the accessories in golf. He looked at the exploding ball last year – the silly things in golf. And Llinos (Lee) is lucky enough to do links from some competitions, and I can’t.

“She’s going to the Netherlands and she’s off to Gleneagles while I’m doing links from Newport.

“I could have gone to watch some of the competitions but unfortunately, with the rugby season starting up, it’s a bit awkward on the weekends.”

But rather than being in a stuffy studio, Jonathan will be presenting from Welsh courses – some of which he knows well.

“I’ve been keen on golf for years, as both an amateur player and spectator. There’s something special about the sport with camaraderie, fun and friendship, all key elements.”

During this Golffio series, familiar faces will show off their golfing talents, including opera singers Bryn Terfel and Rhys Meirion and former weather presenter Jenny Ogwen.

Jonathan says: “Wales is a fantastic place for any golfer with its varied terrain of coast and mountains. I’m a member of the Royal Porthcawl club.

It is also one of my favourite courses because it’s so close to the sea, the scenery is breathtaking and the course offers a unique challenge to golfers.”

He has a golfing handicap of 13, which means he’s a pretty good player to anyone who is not an aficionado.

“I’ve just gone up to 13, I had a bad competition. But I enjoy it. I’ve played Nefyn Golf Course, Royal St David’s in Harlech, Conwy, Llangollen, Denbigh and Carden Park in Broxton, Cheshire.

“Nefyn is particularly tough. I played there when there was wind and rain, so I didn’t see half the views because my head was tucked down walking into the rain. Nefyn and Royal St David’s are great.

“I think golf is one of these sports where all the courses in the UK are beautiful but the weather is such a significant factor. It’s the greatest game in the world when it’s sunny, and maybe the worst when it’s not sunny.”

The Golffio team are busy preparing for the arrival of the Ryder Cup in Wales at the end of the 2010 season, when the competition heads to the Celtic Manor in Newport. S4C will broadcast nightly highlights from the tournament, which sees Europe’s best golfers take on those of the USA.

Jonathan, who is also a member of Radyr Golf Club in Cardiff, said: “With the Ryder Cup coming to Wales next year, it’s going to be a very exciting time for golf in Wales.

“For Wales to be the centre of media attention with the world’s eyes upon us, as we host one of the biggest events on the sporting calendar, is incredible. It will be a great boost for Wales and it will help to promote the whole country.”

Unsurprisingly, JD has played the Celtic Manor course too

He remembers: “I’ve played the old course and the one with the changes in it. It’s a tough course but a fantastic course, a great set up.”

During this Golffio series, several familiar faces will show off their golfing talents on Wales’ best golf courses. Opera singers Bryn Terfel and Rhys Meirion and former weather presenter Jenny Ogwen will take part.

Golf is played by lots of famous people from US rocker Alice Cooper to TV’s Strictly Come Dancing host Bruce Forsyth.

And Jonathan says: “It’s great not only for rock stars and entertainers but also for business people. To spend four or five hours with three people is fantastic. You don’t have that time normally with people - in sport, entertainment or business. It’s a good avenue and a great leveller whatever your walk of life.”